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A vaccine, or immunization, is a medication given to a person so that the person produces antibodies against a certain infection. These antibodies then serve to help prevent the infection.

In the US, vaccines have resulted in record-low levels of certain childhood diseases. Vaccines do not only protect the person they are given to, but also the population at large, since they work to reduce the general prevalence of once-common infections.

Vaccine-Preventable Infections

The following infections can be prevented by vaccination:

Diphtheria—a throat infection caused by bacteria that may result in breathing problems, coma, and death if not treated

Childhood Immunization Schedule

The table below summarizes when children of average risk should receive certain vaccinations. You may print the table and use the “Date received” column to track when your child receives each vaccine.

AgeRecommended vaccinesDate received

Birth

HepB (first dose)

1-2 months

HepB (second dose)

2 months

DTaP (first dose)

Hib (first dose)

PCV (first dose)

Polio vaccine (first dose)

Rotavirus vaccine (first dose)

4 months

DTaP (second dose)

Hib (second dose)

PCV (second dose)

Polio vaccine (second dose)

Rotavirus vaccine (second dose)

6 months

DTaP (third dose)

Hib (third dose)

PCV (third dose)

Rotavirus vaccine (third dose)

Yearly after 6 months

Influenza (Some children aged 6 months to 8 years old may need second dose 4 weeks after the first dose.)

6-18 months

HepB (third dose)

Polio vaccine (third dose)

12-15 months

Hib (fourth dose)

MMR (first dose)

PCV (fourth dose)

Varicella (first dose)

12-23 months

HepA (second dose given 6-18 months after first dose)

15-18 months

DTaP (fourth dose)

4-6 years

DTaP (fifth dose)

Polio vaccine (fourth dose)

MMR (second dose)

Varicella (second dose)

11-12 years

Tdap (booster shot to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)

HPV (three doses)

MCV4

16-18 years

MCV4 booster

Certain “high-risk” children may need to receive additional vaccinations and/or doses. Also, if your child missed one or more vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended times for “catch-up” immunizations. Talk to the doctor to find out if this applies to your child.

Some Children Should Not Be Vaccinated

Childhood vaccines are generally very safe. Some children may experience mild adverse events at the time of the vaccine, including fever, soreness at the vaccine site, or a lump under the skin where the shot was given. Some reactions (MMR) do not appear until weeks after the vaccine is given.

The small risk of serious adverse events is far outweighed by the disease-preventing benefits of vaccines in most cases. However, there are some situations in which children should not receive certain vaccines. Examples of these situations include children who:

Had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a component in the vaccine

Are severely ill (wait until the child has recovered)

Are taking medications to suppress the immune system

Have certain types of cancer or other diseases

Talk with the doctor to find out if it is safe to have your child vaccinated.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Birth-18 years and "catch up" immunization schedules. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/child-adolescent.html.
Updated May 14, 2014. Accessed July 15, 2014.

Childhood vaccines: what they are and why your child needs them. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/kids/vaccines/childhood-vaccines-what-they-are-and-why-your-child-needs-them.html. Updated December 2010. Accessed July 15, 2014.

Immunization schedules. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules. Updated January 31, 2014. Accessed July 15, 2014.